By Rio Linda Online Staff
The controversial “Greenfarm” project, which proposes a small-scale halal slaughter facility in the heart of Elverta, hit another regulatory roadblock this week.
On Wednesday, March 11, the Sacramento County Agricultural Advisory Committee met to consider the proposal for a “kill floor” on a 20-acre property located at 8645 Palladay Road. After reviewing the plans and hearing from the community, the committee declined to approve the project, instead directing the applicant, Bahador Amiri, to address significant outstanding concerns.
A “Religious Operation” or a Slaughterhouse?
Mr. Amiri is seeking a Use Permit to repurpose an existing agricultural building into a facility serving Sacramento’s growing Muslim and Afghan communities. Although he characterizes the project as a “small-scale religious operation,” local skepticism is mounting. During the Rio Linda Elverta CPAC meeting in January, the committee was told the business would process only two to three animals per week. However, when that figure spiked to over 30 animals per week at the Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting, the jump drew an audible gasp of dismay from those in attendance. Neighbors and local officials remain unconvinced by the project’s initial “modest” description.
The proposal includes:
- On-site Processing: Customers would select a live animal raised on the property to be slaughtered indoors.
- Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Staffing: Operated solely by the property owners with no outside employees.
Mounting Community Opposition
This latest setback follows a unanimous 5-0 recommendation for denial by the Rio Linda/Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) in late January. Local residents have turned out in large numbers to oppose the project, citing several critical issues:
- Water Contamination: Many nearby properties rely on private wells, and neighbors fear waste runoff could jeopardize their water supply.
- Odor and Noise: The potential for smells and sounds associated with livestock processing in a residential-agricultural area.
- Traffic: Concerns over increased vehicle flow on rural Palladay Road.
- Rural Character: Residents argue the facility is inconsistent with the large-lot, quiet nature of the neighborhood.
What’s Next?
Despite the committee’s decision, Mr. Amiri indicated he intends to continue seeking approval, stating he plans to consult with the state regarding necessary steps for a halal slaughter license.
The final decision on the Use Permit rests with the Sacramento County Zoning Administrator. No final hearing date has been set as of this writing.
You can find the project information here, at the Sacramento County Planning website.
Sacramento County committee declines approval for Rio Linda halal slaughter plan
This video provides a direct report on the Agricultural Advisory Committee’s recent decision and summarizes the ongoing debate between the applicant and the community.
